MSU Extension Diabetes

The official medical term for diabetes is diabetes mellitus. For those diagnosed with diabetes during pregnancy, it’s called Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM).

According to The  National Institutes of Health gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is defined as carbohydrate intolerance leading to hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) with onset or first recognition during pregnancy. Both hormonal changes and weight are factors in the diagnosis.

In the United States, gestational diabetes affects about 9% of pregnancies, which increases someone's chances of developing type 2 diabetes after pregnancy.

Pregnancy testing for gestational diabetes mellitus

Testing for GDM is most commonly done about halfway through the pregnancy at 24-28 weeks (unless other symptoms or indicators are present). A GDM diagnosis is determined when one or more of the following tests reveal elevated blood (sugar) glucose:

• Fasting glucose is 95 mg/dl or higher.
• One-hour OGTT (oral glucose tolerance test) is 180 mg/dl or higher.
• Two-hour OGTT (oral glucose tolerance test) is 155 mg/dl or higher.

Diabetes risk after delivery

Most women will go on to regain normal blood glucose after their pregnancy is over. Studies by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicate that around half of all women diagnosed with GDM will go on to be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. The National Institutes of Health found that almost 50% of women will be diagnosed with gestational diabetes in future pregnancies.

A diabetes prevention plan now can reduce or delay your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. Being tested by a healthcare provider is the only way to know if you have pre-diabetes or diabetes.

• Diabetes prevention for your baby: The fact that you have gestational diabetes will not cause diabetes in your baby. It is important to make sure your history of gestational diabetes is in your child’s health record. Just like any other health issue that affects your unborn child during your pregnancy, it’s important that you share your gestational diagnosis with your child’s pediatrician or healthcare provider.
• Follow-up testing: Get tested for diabetes 6 to 12 weeks after your baby is born. If the blood glucose test is normal, get tested every 3 years. According to the American Diabetes Association, normal blood glucose range is:
  • Fasting glucose is less than 100 mg/dl.
  • Oral glucose is less than 140 mg/dl.
• Future pregnancies and your risk of GDM: Although there is no absolute way to prevent gestational diabetes during your next pregnancy, ask your healthcare provider how you can decrease your risk. Keeping your weight and your blood sugar in a normal range before your next pregnancy is important.

Create a diabetes prevention checklist

Prevention tips include:

• Eating a well-balanced diet. Be mindful to control calories and sodium. Monitor your intake of unhealthy fats and carbohydrates
• Maintaining a healthy weight.
• Striving for 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity each week.
• Continuing with yearly routine healthcare visits that include diabetes screening.

For more information on diabetes, or to locate a diabetes workshop in your community visit Michigan State University Extension's website.